Overview of Korea-UK Relations
(Early Development)
Korea-UK relations began formally in 1883, when negotiators from both sides signed the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation on 26 November. In 1884, the UK opened a consular post in Seoul. A site was found for the consular post by W. G. Aston, which sixteen years later became a legation with Minister Resident John Jordan. In 1901, Min Yung-ton arrived in London to serve the first Korean mission to UK as Minister.
Following the Japanese colonial period (1910-1945), Korea and the UK re-established relations in January 1949. The UK recognized Republic of Korea (ROK) as the legitimate government of the Korean Peninsula, and opened a legation, with Captain Vyvyan Holt, appointed the first Minister in March 1949. A Korean Legation was also opened in London in February 1950 with Minister Yun Tchi-chang.
When the Korean War broke out in June 1950, the UK was second only to the United States in the contribution it made to the UN effort in Korea. About 57,000 British troops took part in the war, and over 1,000 British soldiers lost their lives. Of the many engagements involving British forces, the best known was the "Battle of Imjin River" or "Battle of Gloucester Valley" fought by the 29th British Infantry Brigade in April 1951.
In 1957 Korea and the UK raised their diplomatic missions to the level of Embassy. The first Korean Ambassador was Kim Yong-woo while the British one was Hurbert J. Evans.
(Growing Cooperation)
Since 1960s the rapid economic development experienced by Korea has ushered Korea and the United Kingdom into new territories of cooperation. The two countries have become close partners in political, economic and cultural aspects based on traditional friendly relations.
On many occasions, Korean Presidents and British Prime Ministers have paid visits to each country. Furthermore, there are channels for policy consultation between the two governments. The most recent vice-minister level policy consultation was held between two foreign ministries in London on 11 November 2008.
Also, the relation between parliamentarians has grown closer and firmer since the establishment of the Korea-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group in 1970. As its counterpart, the Britain-Republic of Korea All-Party Parliamentary Group was formed in the UK Parliament in 1989.
In terms of trade volume, the total of two-way trade reached to $10.5 billion in 2007. This is dramatic increase from US$10 million in 1964. More than 120 Korean companies are based in London, a global financial hub. Since 1986 they have run the Korea Chamber of Commerce in the UK (KOCHAM UK).
Regarding exchanges of people, over 260,000 Koreans visited the UK in 2007 while around 75,000 Britons travelled to Korea. It is presumed that more than 40,000 Koreans including 20,000 students reside in the UK, which is the biggest Korean community in Europe.
Civilian societies have played a key role in furthering Korea-UK relations. The Korean-British Society in Korea, which was established in 1954, has actively promoted friendship between people of the two counties. In Britain, the Anglo-Korean Society has brought together all those who are interested in Korean matters since 1956.
The Korea-UK Forum for the Future, which has been annually held in Seoul and London in rotation since 1993, serves as an important opportunity for developing bilateral relations on both governmental and civilian levels. Recently the sixteenth meeting was held in London in June 2008.
(Two State Visits)
The state visits by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1999 and by President Roh Moo-hyun in 2004 have been regarded as a milestone in history of Korea-UK relations. In April 1999, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II paid a state-visit to Korea. In December 2004, President Roh Moo-hyun visited the UK at the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. President Roh was the first Korean President to pay a State Visit to the UK.
The visits by the two head of states provided an opportunity to enhance the level of friendship and cooperation between Korea and the UK in various fields. In particular, they promoted trust and friendship between the leaders, solidifying substantive cooperation between the two countries, expanding fields of cooperation for peace and security on the Korean Peninsula, and strengthening cooperation in the international arena.
